Diagnosis and management of psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis in adults

Psoriasis is a common chronic inflammatory, immune-mediated disease that predominantly affects the skin and joints. An estimated 100,000 people are affected in Scotland, of whom approximately 20,000 may also have psoriatic arthritis

Remit and target users

This guideline covers psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis in adults. It includes a care pathway describing the patient journey between primary and secondary care and the assessments and treatments undertaken at each stage including: diagnosis; monitoring; comorbidities; psychological well-being; topical, systemic and biologic therapies; phototherapy; and organisation of care, including nurse-led clinics. The guideline does not cover treatment in pregnancy or preconception, palmoplantar pustulosis, or management of chronic pain.

This guideline will be of particular interest to allied health professionals, clinical psychologists, dermatologists, general practitioners, health psychologists, medical physicists, nurses, occupational health professionals, patients and carers, pharmacists, and rheumatologists.

How this guideline was developed

This guideline was developed using a standard methodology based on a systematic review of the evidence. Further details can be found in SIGN 50: A Guideline Developer’s Handbook .

Keeping up to date

This guideline was issued in 2010 and will be considered for review in three years. The review history, and any updates to the guideline in the interim period, will be noted in the review report.

If you are aware of any new evidence that would update this guideline please complete a change request form and return to: roberta.james@nhs.scot

​ Current 3-7 years

Some recommendations may be out of  date, declaration of interests governance may not be in line with current policy.